If you're a regular reader of our humble column, you’ll know very well by now that we like a bit of telly. And we particularly love the diversity of choice that we can get on some of the classic movie channels that are included in our subscription package.

While zapping around, looking for something decent to watch, we recently came across a movie that has a particular resonance for dentists. I’m talking about ‘Marathon Man’, the fantastic suspense thriller from 1976 that starred Dustin Hoffman and Roy Scheider.

If you haven’t seen it before, then you have a treat in store for you. If you have, however, chances are that the standout moment was the scene where Dustin Hoffman was tortured for information – where else but in a dentist’s chair, and using a dentist’s drill.

And wouldn’t you know, it got us thinking why dentists are always seen as ‘the bad guys’, and the inflictors of pain, The truth is that with advances in the field of anaesthetics, pain is very much a thing of the past for most people when they visit the dentist.

And this general point also applies to the dental procedure that – according to the poorly informed myths – causes the most pain. We’re talking about the root canal, of course.

What exactly is a root canal?

If a tooth gets very badly inflamed or infected, your dentist may well have to resort to a root canal. It can also be called upon if you crack a tooth in an accident, or if you experience excessive wear on the enamel of your tooth.

It’s a lengthier and more complex procedure than others you may be familiar with, and usually takes two separate visits of around an hour each.

There are a number of warning signs to watch out for if you think you may be in need of a root canal. First among these is sharp pain, or maybe a newfound intolerance to heat or cold alike. Other symptoms to watch out for include swelling of the gums or a tenderness around the gum area. And in certain circumstances, there may be a relatively sudden discolouration of the tooth in question.

For some of our patients, they may present to us and tell us that they’re experiencing some or all of these symptoms. On other occasions, however, they’re blissfully aware of the problem and must depend on their eagle-eyed dentist to spot the problem.

How do we clean your root canals?

The first thing your dentist does is removes any pulp that’s become inflamed or infected. Your dentist does this by drilling a small opening in the crown of your affected tooth. Once he’s done this, he moulds the canals into a shape that can be easily and effectively sealed.

Next up, he seals the canals with a substance called gutta percha, and when this is done, the tooth can then be restored to its initial form through use of a crown or a filling – whichever your dentist believes to be more appropriate.

The big advantage of going through this procedure is that it saves a tooth that would otherwise be doomed to extraction – which would either leave an unsightly gap or require an implant or denture.

The good news for our patients is that root canal treatment cost is more affordable than ever, as the process is very streamlined here at MyDental. And don't forget that you can spread the cost over multiple months with our 0% Dental Finance Plan.

It’s also worth mentioning that when it comes to root canal treatment cost Ireland is as cheap as anywhere in Europe when you do all the sums – including flights to an overseas venue, accommodation etc.

Laura Cunningham

MyDental is a full-spectrum dental practice offering the most modern and advanced treatments in functional and cosmetic dentistry. With a commitment to offering an exceptional dental service at an exceptional price, our state-of-the-art purpose-built dental clinic in Dublin 4 offers a relaxed and friendly solution to all your dental needs.

0% Dental Finance

By availing of our 0% Dental Finance, you can enjoy the highest quality dental care at equally affordable rates. You can spread the costs over three, six or nine months, offering you maximum flexibility when it comes to payment. Please ask at Reception for details.